The Preakness Stakes is one of the oldest and most prestigious horse races in the United States. It is held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the second leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, preceded by the Kentucky Derby and followed by the Belmont Stakes. The Preakness Stakes is one of the most popular and widely-watched horse races in the world, attracting millions of viewers each year. The race has a total purse of $1.5 million and the winner of the Preakness Stakes receives the Woodlawn Vase, a trophy made of sterling silver and valued at over $1 million dollars.
History of the Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes was first held in 1873, when the first winner was a horse named Survivor. The race was named after the Preakness Stakes, a horse race held in England during the 18th century. Since its inception, the Preakness Stakes has been held every year except for 1890, when the race was suspended due to a dispute between the Maryland Jockey Club and the American Jockey Club.
The Preakness Stakes has evolved over the years and a number of changes have been made to the race. In 1921, the race was moved to its current home, Pimlico Race Course. In 1964, the race was lengthened from 1 3/16 miles to 1 3/8 miles, and in 1973 the purse was raised to $100,000.
How Many Horses Are in the Preakness Stakes?
The Preakness Stakes is a nine-furlong race for three-year-old thoroughbreds. Each year, a maximum of 14 horses can enter the race. This number includes the eventual winner and the two horses that finish in second and third place.
In the event that more than 14 horses are entered into the Preakness Stakes, the horses with the highest point total from the pre-determined list of prep races are eligible to compete in the race. If more than 14 horses are still entered after this selection process, the race is divided into two divisions and the purse is split between the two divisions.
Pre-Race Preparations
In the weeks leading up to the Preakness Stakes, the horses are put through a rigorous training program. The program is designed to prepare the horses for the physical and mental demands of the race. During this time, the horses will be taken out for morning gallops and workouts, and they will also have the opportunity to participate in light walk-trot and jog-trot exercises.
The training program also includes the implementation of a strict diet and nutrition plan for the horses. The diet is designed to ensure that the horses are in peak physical condition for the race.
The Preakness Stakes Post Positions
On the day of the Preakness Stakes, the horses are assigned post positions based on the results of a random draw. The post positions determine the starting order for the race and can have a significant impact on the outcome of the race.
The post positions are assigned in the following order: inside post, middle posts, outside posts, and outside posts on the rail. The inside posts are considered the most advantageous because they allow the horses to get a good start and have an opportunity to set the pace of the race.
The Preakness Stakes Betting
Betting on the Preakness Stakes is one of the most popular activities associated with the race. The betting odds are determined by a combination of factors, including the post positions, the pedigree of the horses, and their past performance in races.
The most popular type of bet on the Preakness Stakes is the win bet, which requires the bettor to pick the horse that will finish first in the race. Other popular bets include exacta, trifecta, and superfecta bets, which require the bettor to pick the top two, three, or four finishers in the race in the correct order.
The Preakness Stakes Race Day
Race day is an exciting event for horse racing fans. On the day of the Preakness Stakes, the horses are brought to the track and paraded around the paddock for the fans to get a good look at them. After the parade, the horses are taken to the starting gate, where they will be ready to start the race.
The Preakness Stakes is usually held on the third Saturday in May and the race usually begins around 6:30 pm. The race typically lasts around two minutes and is one of the most exciting moments in horse racing.
The Preakness Stakes Winners
Over the years, the Preakness Stakes has seen some of the greatest horses in the world compete for the title of Preakness Stakes champion. Some of the most famous winners of the Preakness Stakes include Secretariat (1973), Affirmed (1978), and American Pharoah (2015).
The most successful horse in the Preakness Stakes is the legendary Secretariat, who won the race by a record margin of more than two lengths. Secretariat’s victory in the Preakness Stakes was part of his Triple Crown winning season, making him the first horse in 25 years to win the Triple Crown.
The Preakness Stakes Trophy
The winner of the Preakness Stakes is presented with the Woodlawn Vase, a sterling silver trophy that was first presented in 1917. The vase is valued at over $1 million dollars and is currently on display at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Conclusion
The Preakness Stakes is one of the most prestigious horse races in the United States and it attracts some of the best horses in the world. The race is open to a maximum of 14 horses, and the post positions are determined by a random draw. On race day, the horses are paraded around the paddock and then taken to the starting gate. The winner of the Preakness Stakes is presented with the Woodlawn Vase, a sterling silver trophy that is valued at over $1 million dollars. The Preakness Stakes is an exciting and popular event that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world.